Listen Now

Who among us is guilty of a bit of back-seat building? Yelling abuse at those naive couples on The Block? Throwing stones from their outdated, run-down glass houses? It’s very easy to talk the talk, but to walk the walk is a completely different matter; never more true than in the development industry. One does not simply buy, develop and sell without suffering a myriad of preventable headaches. Wouldn’t it be great if we could hear from a dual-trained developer in both property and commerce with a decade of experience in residential property development? Who among us has this angle in the property field? No prizes for guessing… Our guest! In today’s episode, Rebeka chats with Lachie Gibson, one of the directors of Angle, a high-end, suburb-specific, Melbourne-based development agency. We talk all things building, developing and taking the dive to start your own business as a developer. With a background in commerce and years of experience in the development industry, Lachie has a lot of insight to share. Angle specialises in big-budget development and has intentionally niched down into specific suburbs in Melbourne, and we’ll explore how and why they ended up with that model. We also talk more broadly on the importance of choosing a market to work in and knowing that market inside and out, what you should look at first when considering a property and how to find your own niche to work in.   Lachie has a wealth of insight to share with us and if you’re an emerging developer, or a builder looking to hone their knowledge, this episode definitely has something for you.   LINKS: Angle Website: https://www.angle.com.au/ Angle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourangle/ Buy our book BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

Renovating a warehouse from “cow shed” to family home is no easy task, especially on the cusp of a global pandemic, but today’s guest Stephanie O’Sullivan made it happen. Stephanie and her partner started the search for their home, a house to call their own, with no intention of major building work or renovating. The property market in Dublin is highly competitive but they found that home in a commercial listing for an old warehouse.   Stephanie and Kribashini dive into the challenges and unexpected opportunities she encountered on that journey. She shares her experience of designing her home to suit the way her family lives and taking inspiration from the building’s original state. They also explore the way lockdown has affected their first year living in this home.   LINKS: Buy our new book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

You know when you hear those stories about a builder that has gone bankrupt partway through a build, and you wonder how on earth you would deal with that? Well, today on the podcast you are going to hear from someone who had to navigate that exact situation. Kirstin Krauskopf, or as she is affectionately known in this episode, “Captain Prepared-o” had a project that started off extremely well. She was super prepared, had all her documentation in order, hired a fantastic builder with a great reputation and everything was going well. Kirstin built up a great relationship with the site manager, the tradespeople and had negotiated the ability to come onto site once a week. She was across her numbers, knew the spec and felt equipped to handle the build appropriately. Kirstin had also hired an independent building inspector to ensure the build went smoothly. Over time the number of trades on site started to dwindle and Kirstin became curious as to what was going on. She was asking a lot of questions, and not receiving a lot of answers. It became apparent that things may not be going as well as she had expected.   Tune in today to get the lowdown on how Kirstin handled what turned into a very difficult situation. These things, unfortunately, do happen and Kirstin talks us through how she did it and came out the other side still with a house and a build that she is extremely proud of.   LINKS: Buy our new book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

Renovating is hard enough but imagine doing it with 4 kids while living in a one-bedroom studio. Sounds challenging right? And that’s exactly what our guest, Maddie Tippens, did and she joins us today to tell us about her experience and how it was all worth it.   Maddie is one of our incredible BuildHer members and has had an interesting renovating journey. In this episode, Maddie chats with Kribashini about her first renovation project in the Upper West Side of New York where she worked hard to make a quirky space comfortable with no experience and a very limited budget.   We talk about the difference between the American and Australian design aesthetics and how Maddie has brought her unique flavour to her projects, including the beautiful Miller Street project which is their current family home. We hear about Maddie’s experience renovating her first Australian property in 30 days after the surprise arrival of twins and how the success of that project enabled her to go on to the next.   Maddie talks in some detail about the Miller Street project, her approach to the renovation and relationship with her builder and the importance of her mindset in the 4 months of living in the back yard with her family of 6. She talks about balancing the puzzle of trades and understanding that building and renovating is a complex process.   Maddie’s journey isn’t over yet because now there’s talk of another project on the cards. She’s definitely got the bug and we think she should be so proud of what she’s achieved.   LINKS: Maddie’s book: http://reading-without-limits.com/ Buy our new book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

We have such an interesting episode for you today as Rebeka and Kribashini settle in for a chat with a like-minded guest who is just as passionate about the building industry as they are.   Our guest today is Aaron Kyle, Founder and Director of Build Hatch, a platform dedicated to helping people and sharing stories about life in the building and construction industry. Aaron talks about his background in the construction and mining industry, what led him to the decision to study law as a mature aged student and how he now works to help troubleshoot and mitigate disputes in the construction industry.   In this episode, Aaron talks about the types of issues he deals with as a construction lawyer and how his experience in the industry has given him a great perspective to understand where both clients and builders are coming from. He talks about the importance of communication, valuing relationships and having the right attitude to resolve issues as they arise.   Rebeka and Kribashini share with Aaron how the BuildHer community works, the courses we offer and how we’re all about equipping women to navigate the not-always-straight-forward building industry. Aaron talks about workshops that he provides on-site to help get everyone on the same page prior to construction and we also touch on how the residential and commercial industries are so different from one another.   We talk about quite a few topics in this one and Aaron’s wealth of experience and passion for the industry gives us a spring in our step. If you’re interested to know a bit more about what’s happening on the builder side and some of the challenges that builders and trades might be having, this episode is definitely for you.   LINKS: Aaron's Website: https://www.buildhatch.com/ Aaron's Podcast: https://www.buildhatch.com/build-hatch-podcast Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

The building industry’s boat has been very much rocked by the pandemic situation. From on-site restrictions to changes to bank lending and supply chain disruptions, we now found ourselves in somewhat of a parallel universe. So what’s it like to build in a post-pandemic world?   In this episode, Rebeka and Kribashini break down the many factors that have thrown a spanner in the building industry works. After nearly 7 months of industry shut down, we’re seeing a huge resurgence of project activity, with most builders booked out for 12 months in advance. They discuss how the pandemic has affected different aspects of the industry and share some helpful insights on how to navigate the new landscape.   Rebeka and Kribashini discuss the backlog of work and how this has blown out project timeframes, prices and supply chain availability. They talk about the need to be understanding of where industry professionals are coming from and how to become the ideal client so that when it’s time for cherry-picking, they pick you.   Did you have a project come to a grinding halt during lockdown? Or perhaps you spent the time dreaming of your forever home and it’s time to make it a reality. In either case, this episode will give you some practical tips on how to get the ball rolling in a post-pandemic world.   LINKS: BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

If you’ve just got your house looking fantastic and you’re ready to sell, maybe you need some help on the styling side or you’re keen to do it all yourself, this episode is for you. You’re in for a real treat today as Rebeka chats with our very own BuildHer photographer, Dylan James, about how he captures the emotion of a home and translates it into a beautiful set of images. Dylan is a Melbourne based interior, architectural and lifestyle photographer whose work you’ve likely seen in one of our publications. Starting out as a real estate photographer, he developed a love for architecture and design and began capturing homes in a less traditional way, which is one of the reasons we’re so lucky to have him. In this episode, Rebeka and Dylan chat about how photography in the real estate industry has evolved, even over the last 5 years since they first crossed paths. It used to be the norm to shoot at dusk with all the lights on, factually documenting the rooms of the house with the widest lens possible. Now, more and more developers are moving toward an editorial style of photography that focuses on capturing the feeling of a home and creating a narrative that connects with the emotions of a buyer. Dylan shares his thoughts on all this and how his career has progressed from standard real estate photography to a high-end editorial style. Dylan talks us through what it takes to get the perfect shot and why photographers and stylists can sometimes take hours moving cushions back and forth and upside down. He talks about the collaboration and communication required to truly capture the essence of a home and how there’s no one way of doing things.   So what about those of us who don’t have a stylist or professional photographer with the gear and the expertise? Well, Dylan says anything can be done on an iPhone if you have enough natural light and determination. He may even be creating an online tutorial for those who are interested so make sure you follow him on the socials. See you there!   LINKS: Dylan’s Website: https://dylanjames.com.au/ Dylan’s Instagram: @dylanjamesphoto BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

Anyone who has designed, built or developed a property knows that there’s a whole lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. It’s not just about laying the foundation or getting the frame up, it’s about sourcing suppliers and trades and building a community of people around you to get the job done. Builders, designers and architects have a certain negotiation power when it comes to sourcing the best price for materials, products and trades. They’ve spent time establishing relationships with suppliers, predetermining stock quantities and purchase pricing so that when you engage their services, you not only benefit their expertise but also their established network. In this episode, we talk about what you can do to leverage your negotiation power on your own projects. Rebeka and Kribashini chat about the different types of leverage and how it all comes down to relationships. They talk about recommendations and referrals and the importance of being upfront and transparent, even when something goes wrong. You’ll also hear about some of the amazing benefits of becoming a BuildHer and how there is some serious cost saving when the Little Black Book is involved. Rebeka talks about one of their superstar BuildHer’s who hired a builder and used her own sourcing power to save big on trade costs.   Rebeka and Kribashini also discuss volume builders (which is a whole other podcast altogether) and talk about the benefits and savings involved when engaging with this type of builder. You don’t get the choice as with a smaller builder, but you do get the cost-saving and Rebeka and Kribashini chat this out as well.   LINKS: Listen to our Podcast episode on referrals and recommendations here BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

We’re diving into the secret world of development today with a man who’s passionate about the industry and knows his market inside out. In this episode, Rebeka chats with Nat Ajro from Ajro Property Group, a family business specialising in property development within the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne. Taking a personalised approach to developing, Nat discusses how a good developer will research the market beyond the dollar value to really understand the audience they’re pitching to. Much like our own projects, Nat focuses on good design, quality finishes and goes by the rule that the end result begins at the start. Growing up in Northcote and now specialising in the area, Nat talks about some of the changes he has seen in the market over the last 20 years. He also talks about why he engages local industry professionals on his projects and how by doing this, he builds trust and a deeper understanding of his market.   Nat shares his top tips for those on the development train including the importance of always doing a reverse feasibility and building up a local team. We talk about making a profit but also how completing a beautiful project is just as valuable at the end of the day.   LINKS: Ajro Property Group Instagram: @ajropropertygroup BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

We love talking to people in the building industry about creating beautiful things and today we’re joined by the very talented stylist and seasoned renovator, Eve Gunson from Dot + Pop. Together with her partner and registered builder, Matt, Eve spends her days designing, renovating, styling and collaborating with brands to create beautiful spaces. Dot + Pop is a multifaceted brand incorporating an online destination for design lovers and interior styling business. What started out as a personal passion project evolved into a beautiful online space where others can learn and be inspired. In this episode, Eve shares her renovating journey which started at the ripe age of 21. Not everyone has the vision and determination to undertake a renovation project so young, but it’s certainly worked out well for Eve and Matt because they haven’t stopped since. Eve and Rebeka talk about the journey to getting your forever home and how each home is a stepping stone toward your dream. They talk about renovating with kids, the benefits of living with a builder and how the small things make such a big difference. They also have a laugh about why door handles and towel hooks are the worst things ever.   Sharing a few tips for people establishing themselves in the industry, Eve talks about finding your niche, being authentic and building relationships with brands that you love. She and Rebeka also talk about the tireless work and dedication that goes into renovation projects but that it all works out in the end.   LINKS: Eve’s website: https://www.dotandpop.com.au/ Eve’s instagram: @dotandpop Come along to our International Women’s Day event Check out our other upcoming events here BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

We always love hearing from our BuildHers and DevelopHers to find out what they’re up to. There are so many amazing women undertaking challenging projects and it’s an honour for us to be involved in their journeys. Today Kribashini chats with one of these incredible DevelopHers, Alix Blakeley, who is a perfect example of why it’s so enjoyable to be part of the BuildHer community. Alix has had a big and busy 12 months and she talks about her journey of how she began developing for-profit and where her current project is up to. For Alix and her husband, the idea of renovating and selling their family home was something they always wanted to do but making the decision to go ahead was somewhat confronting. Alix talks about that journey, how she never looked back and how a house flood was the catalyst for making the decision to do the renovation they’d dreamed about. After renovating and selling her family home, Alix and her husband purchased an original 1960’s home in Canberra. Alix talks about her renovation plans and how being part of the BuildHer community helped her to feel confident with her feasibilities and not just make an emotional purchase. Kribashini shares her insights on the design process and how a good designer will pinpoint challenges to come up with solutions whilst working alongside the client to make sure the design meets their needs.   Alix also shares her advice to anyone else out there wanting to renovate for profit and talks about taking small tangible steps to move in the direction you want to go. Kribashini and Alix also bring home the importance of surrounding yourself with people who are already doing the thing you want to be doing. And that’s yet another reason why the BuildHer community is so great.   LINKS: Come along to our International Women’s Day event Check out our other upcoming events here BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

We recently held a workshop where there was an overwhelming show of hands when we asked if any women felt uncomfortable in the building industry. And at BuildHer, we think that’s just not good enough. Why do we question if we can do it? Why aren’t there more women in the building industry? In this episode, Rebeka and Kribashini unpack why so many women (including them!) struggle with imposter syndrome, even those who are experts in their field. We talk about some of the stereotypes and mentalities that drive women to think they can’t do it themselves and the misconceptions surrounding what it takes to build, renovate or develop for profit. Rebeka and Kribashini are never ones to shy away from a challenge and they talk about how they’ve had to push through their own mental barriers and learning curves over and over again. They discuss how you don’t have to be an expert at everything but simply know how to gather the experts to make the project happen. 2021 is kicking off with a bang with loads of events to empower women in the building industry. If you’ve been thinking about building or renovating for profit or looking into development, don’t let those niggling fears and insecurities stop you from taking the plunge.   Head to one of our events this year to surround yourself with people who are doing what you want to do. You’ve got what it takes to go for it if you want to.   LINKS: Come along to our International Women’s Day event Check out our other upcoming events here BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

For a lot of people, the property dream is building and developing for profit on the side. Settlement day can be life-changing for those whose projects run smoothly, but not every project goes according to plan. With many variables and a whole lot of knowledge required, some developers are left out of pocket and their dreams don’t become reality. In this episode, Rebeka chats to Peter Kelly from Little Fish Property Developments to talk about how they help their clients every step of the way throughout the development process to avoid the common pitfalls that cause some projects to crumble. Somewhat like a turnkey solution to project management, Little Fish Property Developments guide their clients through each important step and take care of every detail, including the arduous and often annoying paperwork. The Little Fish management team consists of Ben Drohan, Mark Walkley and Peter Kelly. Starting out developing for themselves and doing a darn good job of it, they soon had people requesting their help with project management, which led to the formation of Little Fish Property Developments. With over 20 years of experience, they’ve built a well-oiled machine and in this episode, Peter talks through what the Little Fish client experience looks like. Rebeka and Peter discuss the common pitfalls that some developers can fall into and the four stages of development that need to be done well in order to have a successful project. Peter shares how their clients benefit from their wealth of knowledge, experience and established industry relationships and how Little Fish operate in full transparency, which builds the all-important trust.   Peter also shares his tips for anyone interested in developing for profit, with a big emphasis on research, reaching out to as many people as you can and knowing your numbers. Peter certainly knows his stuff and although developing isn’t easy, he sure does make it sound very doable. So if you’re thinking about developing, this episode is a must-listen for you.   LINKS: Little Fish Website: https://www.littlefishproperties.com.au/ BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

Did you know that straw is the world’s biggest waste material? Perhaps it’s news to you that it’s cheaper to produce a recycled can than it is to make a new one from raw material. We’re all aware of issues in the world today such as plastic waste, the use of harmful toxins and a globalised and destructive food system but these issues can seem too big to tackle ourselves. Our guest today offers a different perspective and says these problems are easy to solve if we just put our energy into it. In this jam-packed episode, Kribashini is joined by Joost Bakker, named ‘poster boy of zero-waste living’ by the New York Times, and he shares his depth of knowledge on sustainable living and how he lives by a zero waste philosophy. Joost shares how he has implemented zero-waste initiatives in his own home and discusses some of the projects he’s done in the past. He dives into the amazing benefits of using straw to insulate, his discovery of magnesium oxide and why he doesn’t use FSC certified timber in his home. Kribashini asks Joost about the Future Food System project in Melbourne, a self-sustaining, zero-waste, productive house which will be home to two chefs as they live solely off the food produced in the home. The point is driven home throughout the discussion that it all comes down to being conscious of what we’re building and how we’re living on a daily basis. Joost not only shares about his passion for wildlife and designing with a purpose in mind but also talks about the devastating loss of biodiversity, the problems with the current food system and how behind everything he does lies the fundamental belief that we need to transition to a zero-waste system.   If you don’t want to build a worm farm or establish a rooftop garden already, wait until you’ve heard the whole episode. Joost’s passion for all things sustainable is contagious and it’s an episode not to be missed.   LINKS: How to find Joost: - Instagram: @joostbakker and @futurefoodsystem - Website: https://www.futurefoodsystem.com/ Forest Stewardship Council Watch website BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

You know what we’d like? To walk around site looking fabulous, feeling comfortable and complying with PPE requirements at the same time. We don’t think that’s too much to ask and with loads of site visit experience up our workwear sleeves, we’ve got some hot tips for all you ladies out there. This episode is all about site gear. It’s not always pretty, but it’s something that you need. We share some super practical tips for making sure you’re wearing the appropriate gear when heading out for site visits. There’s a bit of a debate going on about pants versus shorts and Rebeka and Kribashini share their personal preferences for what they think works best.   We also talk about the latest workwear from KingGee just for women and how we’re feeling pretty fine in our new gear. As much as Rebeka wishes that heels fit into the steel-capped boots category, we have to say work boots have come a long way and it’s possible to look good, feel good and be safe on site.   LINKS: KingGee Women’s: https://www.kinggee.com.au/womens.html BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

2020, what a nutcracker this year was!  We feel like we need to debrief and pat ourselves on the back for the ridiculous things we’ve done this year. So, we’ve got a bit of a special episode lined up where we publicly congratulate ourselves on all our hard work. We’ve earned it! In this episode, Rebeka and Kribashini flashback to some of the things they’ve achieved this year and when they start listing them all out, it really is a lot. 2020 was no normal year, and yet they still managed to write a book, pump out so many resources, pivot *shudders* to online courses, build a house and have a baby (well, that one was all Rebeka). As they recap the year, Rebeka and Kribashini share some of the things they’re really proud of and how they’ve loved seeing the support and encouragement within the BuildHer community. They talk about pivoting *powerful shudder* during Covid and how taking the Masterclass online this year was one of the best decisions they’ve ever made. They also talk about the super fun, yet challenging, process of writing a book and how excited (and nervous) they are for it to launch. What do you want your 2021 to look like?  It all starts with the decisions you make today and Rebeka and Kribashini talk about just giving things a go because that’s how they got to where they are today. They also talk about the huge pressure we place on ourselves to achieve at such a great pace but it’s important to celebrate the wins. Building is hard work and Rebeka and Kribashini share some of the great BuildHer moments from the women in the BuildHer community. So, if you want to start renovating or developing for profit, maybe 2021 is your year to shine. Whatever it is you want to do, take a moment to congratulate yourself for the things you’ve achieved this year. Celebrate those wins and then dive in and give something a go!   Merry Christmas everyone.  See you in the new year!   LINKS: BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer   RESOURCES: 133 Things to Think About Before You Build or Renovate Bathroom Minimag Bayview Magazine

What better way to spend lockdown than to build a beautifully landscaped garden? That’s what Rebeka has been up to and she’s gotten slightly garden-obsessed all because of our special guest today, Mon Palmer. Mon is an expert landscape designer whose beautiful aesthetic seeps into everything she touches, especially gardens, and she joins us today to share why she’s so obsessed with outdoor spaces. In addition to designing beautiful landscapes, interiors, outdoor spaces and more, Mon offers a masterclass that teaches others how to sketch up and design from concept through to detail design presentation. In this episode, Mon shares how she got into the industry, where her original inspiration for landscape came from and her journey to starting her own successful business. Rebeka and Mon discuss the importance and benefits of thinking about landscaping at planning stages and not just leaving it to last.  Gardens can be so much more than just a border of trees blocking your neighbours.  When thought and consideration are put into the outside with a holistic approach, it completely enhances the feel of a home and adds significant value to the property. In this episode, Mon talks about how her inspiration for design comes from all kinds of places and how she honed in on developing her own style and aesthetic.  She shares a few tips on how to start approaching garden design for yourself and the importance of getting to the core of your vision.  The best designs are authentic for the person, so being clear on what your heart loves is what it’s all about.   You’re going to love this episode and we’re pretty sure you’ll be slightly garden obsessed by the end of it.   LINKS: Mon’s instagram: @mon_palmer Mon’s websites: https://www.monpalmer.co/ & https://slightlygardenobsessed.com/ BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

It’s all too common a scenario where a builder quotes for a project, only to add more and more variations along the way because it wasn’t exactly what the customer wanted.  This blows out not only the budget but adds time and unnecessary pressure to the build and it could have all been avoided if things were more clear in the first place. In this episode, we have a special treat as Rebeka is joined by fellow female builder, Elizabeth Abdallah from Sencon Homes. They discuss the ins and outs of quoting for new builds and renovations and things to look out for when deciding whether to renovate or knock the whole thing down and start from scratch. With close to 15 years of building experience, Elizabeth started her developer journey when she was pregnant with her first child (she has 4 kids just like Rebeka!) Looking for a challenge apart from her growing baby, she decided to build two townhouses next to each other and potentially sell one-off and do it all over again.  Well, she certainly picked her market because when boom time came, she more than doubled her value thus began the start of her exciting building and developing journey. Elizabeth has loads of experience in renovating and building from scratch as she now spends the majority of her time building for others, also leaving room for personal projects on the side. In this episode, Elizabeth and Rebeka discuss the process a builder needs to go through when quoting for a job and the importance of being really clear about what you want and communicating that with the builder so they can quote effectively.  They discuss some examples of when renovating might not be worth it from a financial perspective but how it’s also important to consider the emotional side of things, especially when dealing with homes with character.   A big takeaway from today’s episode is do your research.  Providing a comprehensive itemized quote to a customer is a huge amount of work for a builder, so knowing what you want and communicating those desires is a really great place to start.   LINKS: Sencon Homes http://senconhomes.com.au/ BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

Imagine being on holidays every single day.  Ok, that idea is pretty unrealistic for most of us, so perhaps the next best thing is creating a home that gives you the feeling of holidays when you walk through the door at the end of the day.  That is exactly what our guest does for a living and it’s no surprise why she loves it! In this episode, Rebeka chats with Katrina Lumsden from Haven Interiors.  Katrina is a coastal home stylist, helping her clients create their own beautiful coastal havens to live and holiday in.  Offering interior styling services and an online course, Katrina shares her styling knowledge and passion with her clients to help bring those calming holiday vibes into day to day reality. Having been a stylist for numerous years and growing tired of the challenges and physical demands of the job, Katrina ripped the bandaid off and pivoted (urgh, there’s that word!) her successful styling business into a coastal niche where she could do what she really loved all the time.  At the same time, she created a wonderful work/life balance to spend more time with her three kids.  It was a win-win pivot (there it is again! I promise that’s the last one)! Katrina shares her 5 step formula which helps her clients identify their own style, create a clear picture of what they want and stick to the budget they’ve set for themselves.  Katrina and Rebeka discuss the decluttering dilemma and how sometimes the items you love might not suit a space but that thinking outside the box can help find a solution.  They also talk through the breakage factor with kids and pets and how finding a happy medium is what it’s all about.   So, if you love those coastal vibes and you’re keen to have that holiday feeling all year round, this episode is for you.   LINKS: Website: https://haveninteriors.net.au/ Instagram: @haveninteriors Online Course: https://haveninteriors.net.au/services/#online FREE workshop: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/23/w8wonb5 BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

Our guest today is Evan from DIY Blinds, one of our beloved supplier partners, and he chats with Rebeka about all things window furnishings. Evan talks about why DIY Blinds has blown up and how they’ve disrupted the industry by taking a traditionally analogue service and making it fully digital.  Customers are express-posted free samples that they order online, obtain live pricing and have access to design consultants who are there to help them every step of the way.  By taking showrooms and commissions out of the equation, they’re able to offer Australian made designer quality products at competitive prices plus provide an authentic service offering. Evan and Rebeka chat about the pros of thinking through your window furnishings early on in the piece.  The benefit of doing so enables you to really think about what you’re hoping to achieve and work it into your design instead of having to make costly variations down the track.  Evan discusses the different services that DIY Blinds offer and how they can custom make anything according to your needs - and the earlier you think about it the better! Home automation is another hot topic in the episode as Evan and Rebeka discuss the numerous options that are available with modern technologies.  Curtains and blinds can not only open and close at the touch of a button, they can now be hooked up to the weather forecast to adapt before you even know it needs to happen.  How good is technology!   The great thing about a DIY service is that you can tailor it to both your desired aesthetic and budget requirements.  ‘Designer’ doesn’t have to mean expensive and Rebeka and Evan share some tips on obtaining a high end look without the price tag.   LINKS: DIY Blinds Website: https://www.diyblinds.com.au/ Bayview Magazine: https://buildhercollective.com.au/bayviewmag/ BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer